Croma Security Solutions Group PLC Final Results (4460Q)

TIDMCSSG

RNS Number : 4460Q

Croma Security Solutions Group PLC

21 October 2019

21 October 2019

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc

("Croma", "CSSG", the "Company" or the "Group")

Final Results for the Twelve Months to 30 June 2019

Contracted Income driving increased Shareholder Returns

Croma Security Solutions Group plc, the AIM listed total security services provider, announces its final results for the year end ended 30 June 2019.

Financial Highlights

   --    Sustainable step-change achieved in sales and earnings over the last four years 
 
                       2019    2018     2017    2016 
 Revenues GBPm         34.6    35.1     22.1    19.0 
                      ------  -------  ------  ------ 
 EBITDA GBPm           1.9     2.5      0.8     0.6 
                      ------  -------  ------  ------ 
 EPS                   7.82p   10.1p*   2.13p   0.96p 
                      ------  -------  ------  ------ 
 Dividend per share    1.8p    1.6p     0.5p    0.4p 
                      ------  -------  ------  ------ 
 

-- In 2019, trading patterns normalised with lower levels of higher margin project work which were experienced in 2018, an exceptional year

-- Contracted revenues in 2019 represented 79% of total revenues (2018: contracted revenue accounted for 72%)

-- Underlying sustainable increase in sales and earnings over the last four years driven by demand for Croma's premium security solutions from both government and corporations

-- Group has net cash of GBP1.7 million as at 30 June 2019, after investing GBP0.589 million during the year

-- Recommended 10% increase in final dividend to 1.1p per share making a total dividend for the year of 1.8p per share with dividend cover of 4x

*Adjusted for the purchase and re-issue of treasury shares in the prior year.

Operating Highlights

   --    Continued strong demand as corporations and government bodies choose to outsource security 

-- Key long-term manned guarding contracts won by Croma Vigilant particularly in the Estate Management, Health and Utilities sectors

-- In its first year PROception, a ground-breaking new service which makes the reception part of a building's security, generated revenues of GBP0.2m (annualised GBP0.8m), significantly ahead of budget

-- Good progress made towards establishing a national chain of modern security centres with three locksmith businesses acquired during the year, funded by the Group's cash resources

2020

   --    Current financial year has begun well with good forward visibility from contracted revenues 
   --    Board believe Croma is well placed to improve upon 2019 trading performance 

Sebastian Morley Chairman of CSSG said:

"The business has made a step change in performance reflecting increased demand and the strength of our premium offer within the security market. While one-off project work distorts comparisons with 2018, the underlying run rate in earnings has more than doubled over the last three years driven by the increase in contracted income. This, together with our progress towards developing a national chain of security centres and the speed with which the PROception concept has caught on, has made this another good year for the business.

Looking ahead, as a highly cash generative business we are well placed to continue to invest behind making Croma the British homeland security brand and maintain progressive returns to shareholders."

For further information visit www.cssgroupplc.com or contact:

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc Tel: [phone]

Sebastian Morley (Chairman)

WH Ireland Limited Tel: [phone]

(Nominated Adviser and Broker)

Mike Coe

Chris Savidge

Novella Tel: [phone]

Tim Robertson

Fergus Young

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulations No. 596/2014 and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.

Chairman's Statement

I am very pleased to report Croma Security Solutions Group Plc's ("Croma" or the "Group") Final Results for the year ended to 30 June 2019. The Group generated revenues of GBP34.6 million, profit before tax of GBP1.4m and EBITDA of GBP1.9 million and did so without the benefit of significant levels of short term, higher margin project work that boosted results in 2018. Instead, trading in 2019 was notable for the increase in the levels of contracted work which have risen to 79% (2018:72%) of revenues and thereby provides greater visibility on the normalised run rate for the business which has achieved a step-change in earnings over the last four years.

At the heart of the Group's security activities is a strong ex-military ethos. It is this ethos that ensures Croma provides a premium level approach to every aspect of delivering security services and solutions. With the increase in demand across the UK for security solutions from both the private and public sector, Croma has benefitted as these bodies have opted for a premium service to ensure the safety of individuals, customers, employees and assets.

This increase in demand for recurring work is reflected in the trading performance for 2019 and in the positive outlook for 2020 and beyond.

Strategy for Growth within UK Security Market

At the beginning of 2019, the Group set out its strategy for establishing Croma as the British security brand. The increase in demand for Croma's premium services was recognised as an opportunity to expand the Group's market position and create a national network of Croma Security Centres alongside setting new standards in providing premium guarding services.

The Board believes there is an opportunity in its market to establish a national chain of modern security centres offering the full range of the Group's services from manned guarding to CCTV, intruder alarm and advanced security systems as well as high security locks. The format is proven to work for both commercial and domestic customers and therefore to create the network the Group intends to acquire locksmith premises and converting them into modern security centres. During the year three locksmiths were acquired and the sites are under conversion.

Croma's core business is manned guarding and success has come from providing capable, well trained and highly motivated officers compared with the more traditional model of the low paid and lowly motivated officer. Known for providing this premium service, Croma is focused on continuing to set new standards across the market. In 2019, the growth and success of PROception is an example of this, as it is currently transforming the way front of house security is performed in offices, hotels and government building up and down the country.

Our business strategy has considered the challenges ahead and the changing market place. We are investing in the appropriate resources and technologies to bring industry leading solutions. We believe the continuous development and use of data analytics and real time communications will be an essential part of the future of security services.

Trading Performance

All three divisions have performed well in the year under review, delivering good levels of profitability. Financial prudence and responsibility continue to be central to our ongoing strategy in order to shape an outstanding security services group that delivers for clients, staff and shareholders.

Croma Vigilant, our manned guarding division had a good year. The division grew contracted revenues so that they now represent 79% of total revenues. Key client wins were achieved in the estate management, health and utility sectors and a number of existing clients' contracts have been extended. In addition to providing manned guarding solutions, Croma Vigilant also provides complementary police services to local councils under the 'Community Safety Accreditation Scheme', a growing incremental revenue stream.

Croma Security Systems and Locksmiths performed well reflecting the increased demand for their services and the ability of the Group to introduce products across the business. Croma Locksmiths in particular made a strong contribution to both revenues and profits. Croma Biometrics remains a significant opportunity for the Group with FastVein(TM) coming to the forefront as a potent biometric high-speed human identifier.

Dividend

Reflecting the strong financial performance over the year the Board is pleased to recommend a final dividend to shareholders of 1.1p per share (total 1.8p per share for the year) and subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 27 November 2019, the final dividend will be paid on 29 November 2019 to all shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8 November 2019. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 7 November 2019.

Outlook

Heightened concern over the real or perceived threats to security of individuals, customers and assets has led to an increased requirement for Croma's services. We view this demand to be long-term and it has already created a step change in the financial performance of the business.

The future challenge is to use this opportunity to build a larger business with the capability to service and reach a wider customer base across the UK. We are working to achieve this exciting objective whilst ensuring we remain a well-balanced business and operate prudently.

Finally, I would like to thank all employees of the Group for their excellent work over the last year and I look forward to working together again this year to achieve another strong performance.

Sebastian Morley

Chairman

21 October 2019

Operational Review

The Group's strategic objectives are:

-- to deliver market leading full-service security offerings to the upper quartile end of both large corporations and government. Achieved by maintaining quality of service as a priority, focusing on meeting the full range of our clients' security needs, and leveraging our brand and client base;

-- to produce consistent growth in financial performance, by maintaining our margins and managing our costs. Acquisitions will be pursued only when they can be seen clearly to add value to the Group;

   --    to develop and bring to market new technologies, and; 
   --    to deliver attractive shareholder returns. 

Each company has Key Performance Indicators which are monitored and reported to the executive Directors on a monthly basis. These are discussed below.

The Group's longer-term objectives are to grow our core offerings in the UK and abroad until we are the security provider of choice to leading large corporates, to expand our service offering to include e-security, and to develop specific high-end national projects.

The maintenance and expansion of solutions to the present client base is fundamental. The Group continues to expand the services to long-term clients, some of whom currently use a diverse range of contractors, in order to bring all their needs under one roof when this makes good business sense for both parties.

The performance of each business segment is discussed below:

Croma Vigilant

Croma Vigilant, our largest division, generated sales of GBP28.5m (2018: GBP29.0m) and operating profit of GBP1.4m (2018: GBP2.6m). Importantly, from the perspective of sustainable earnings, contracted revenues represented 88% of revenues (2018: 82%) and while 2018 generated exceptional profits for the Group, the reliability of contracted income provides a stronger base upon which to expand this division.

Croma Vigilant provides manned guarding for assets and individuals and now employs over 750 security personnel throughout the UK. Fundamental to the division's success is the military ethos that pervades through all aspects of the way the division is run to all contact with customers. Croma personnel have a market reputation for being smart, punctual, professional and courteous on a consistent basis which is in stark contrast to the average security guard. The growing retained customer base is increasingly opting for Croma's premium services and takes reassurance from the high standards and professionalism Croma Vigilant brings.

Following previous patterns, the split between private and public revenues remains an approximately two thirds/one third respectively. In the period under review, Croma Vigilant increased its market share in five of its six key target markets the exception being in local government where in 2018 the division had gained significant high margin income from one-off project work. Local government work remains an important market, however, income is now primarily contracted as opposed to being short term projects. During the year the Group recorded key wins in the health, estate management and utilities sector.

Last year, we were proud to publish our gender pay gap reports for the first time which showed that there is no significant pay gap between men and women in our organisation. This continues to be the case and we remain focused on ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity across the organisation.

Led by ex-policewoman Ruth McGowan, PROception is the Group's innovative new front of house concept, making the modern reception part of a building's security. PROception provides security trained receptionists to both manage the front desk and play an active role in security and is transforming the way manned security services are delivered in offices, hotels and public institutions. Responses from the property and leisure sector has been excellent with annualised revenues reaching GBP0.8m since launch. This is an excellent achievement and bodes well for the future prospects of PROception.

In 2018 Vigilant completed the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme enabling the division to provide private security within communities using mobile and foot patrol officers. Reduced government budgets have increased the focus on outsourcing and to meet the reduction in the number of police officers patrolling the streets, our highly disciplined force of security personnel is well placed to support the regular police and local communities.

The current year has begun well with a good pipeline of new business opportunities.

Croma Security Systems

Croma Security Systems recorded sales of GBP2.70m (2018: GBP2.97m) and operating profit up over 60% to GBP0.34m (2018: GBP0.21m).

In support of the Group's focus on providing total security solutions, Croma Security Systems continues to provide a full range of electronic security solutions from CCTV, high security locks to FastVein biometrics technology for high speed human identification.

Croma Locksmiths

Croma Locksmiths, which operates through ten retail outlets on the South Coast of the UK and centrally through the Group, delivered a strong performance for the year growing sales to GBP3.42m (2018: GBP3.15m) and operating profit increased over 100% to GBP0.48m (2018: GBP0.24m).

In February 2019, the Board set out its strategy to become the British Homeland security brand through establishing a national chain of modern security centres. These centres offer the full range of Croma's security solutions from manned guarding, CCTV, intruder alarm and advanced security systems as well as high end security locks. Conversion of the retail outlets into modern Security Centres is well advanced enabling the stores to sell the Group's security capabilities to both domestic and commercial customers.

To establish a national chain of security centres, the Group is looking to acquire locksmith businesses and convert the premises into a Croma security centre. During the year, three locksmith businesses were acquired for conversion.

The locksmith market is highly fragmented and relatively unsophisticated in the UK. With demand for security advice and services increasing, these traditional locksmith stores provide a working base upon which to build a national network. While still in its formative stage, the initial income increases being achieved from the three new sites are encouraging, contributing income of GBP0.21m (GBP0.55m on an annualised basis).

With the three completed acquisitions, the Company now has ten retail stores which will all be converted to Croma Security Centres by 2020. The current centres are located in affluent areas close to London in the South West of the UK.

Croma Biometrics

With no new significant installations during the year, Croma Biometrics turnover fell to GBP101k (2018: GBP308k), however, our FastVein(TM) biometrics technology provides significant future potential for the Group. Currently deployed across the retail, education and construction sectors it provides customers with quick, easy to use, accurate and cost-effective data. FastVein(TM) has clear commercial advantages and while sales have slowed in the period under review, its potential remains unchanged and we are involved in discussions which could well generate significant long-term income.

 
 Group Financials 
                                                   2019       2018 
 The Group financials can be summarised as 
  follows:                                     GBP000's   GBP000's 
 
 Revenue                                         34,599     35,119 
 Gross profit                                     6,490      7,149 
 Gross margin %                                   18.8%      20.4% 
 EBITDA                                           1,871      2,500 
 Operating profit                                 1,449      2,013 
 Earnings per share (2018 restated)               7.82p     10.10p 
 Net Assets                                      11,990     11,077 
 Cash generated from operations                     462      2,689 
 Dividend per share in relation to the year        1.8p       1.6p 
 

While gross profits margins reduced from 20.4% to 18.8%, close control of the Group's cost base saw overheads reduce by a noteworthy 2% whilst supporting similar levels of revenue.

Without a one-off benefit from a deferral in its payroll date in 2018, cashflow generated from operations was GBP0.46m (2018: GBP2.69m) and Group remains in a strong financial position with no borrowings and net cash of GBP1.7m after funding GBP0.6m of investments during the period.

The Board maintains the progressive dividend policy adopted in previous periods and is pleased to recommend a final dividend to shareholders of 1.1p per share (2018:1.0p).

.

 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE 
  INCOME 
 FOR THE YEARED 30 JUNE 2019 
 
 Continuing operations: 
                                                          2019                  2018 
                                                   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's 
 
 Revenue                                                        34,599                35,119 
 
 Cost of sales                                                (28,109)              (27,970) 
                                                             ---------             --------- 
 
 Gross profit                                                    6,490                 7,149 
 
 Administrative expenses                                       (5,041)               (5,136) 
 Operating profit                                                1,449                 2,013 
 
 Analysed as: 
 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
  amortisation                                        1,871                 2,500 
 Depreciation                                         (232)                 (161) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                    (190)                 (326) 
 Operating profit                                     1,449                 2,013 
 
 Finance expenses                                                  (2)                  (38) 

 Profit before tax                                               1,447                 1,975 
 Tax                                                             (281)                 (359) 
 Profit for the year from continuing operations                  1,166                 1,616 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the year 
  attributable to owners of the parent                           1,166                 1,616 
                                                             =========             ========= 
 
 
 Earnings per share 
 
 Basic and diluted earnings per share (pence) 
 Earnings from continuing operations (2018 
  restated)                                                       7.82                  10.1 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 
 
 
 Assets                                                           2019       2018 
                                                              GBP000's   GBP000's 
 Non-current assets 
   Goodwill                                                      7,311      7,213 
   Other Intangible assets                                         647        835 
   Property, plant and equipment                                   668        476 
                                                                 8,626      8,524 
 Current assets 
   Inventories                                                     825        668 
   Trade and other receivables                                   6,163      6,077 
   Cash and cash equivalents                                     1,729      2,154 
                                                                 8,717      8,899 
 Total assets                                                   17,343     17,423 
 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
   Deferred tax                                                  (158)      (197) 
   Trade and other payables                                       (23)       (12) 
                                                                 (181)      (209) 
 Current liabilities 
   Trade and other payables                                    (5,126)    (6,071) 
   Borrowings                                                     (46)       (66) 
                                                               (5,172)    (6,137) 
 Total liabilities                                             (5,353)    (6,346) 
 
 Net assets                                                     11,990     11,077 
                                                             =========  ========= 
 
 
 Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the 
  parent 
   Share capital                                                   794        794 
   Treasury shares                                               (399)      (399) 
   Share premium                                                 6,133      6,133 
   Merger reserve                                                2,139      2,139 
   Capital redemption reserve                                       51         51 
   Retained earnings                                             3,272      2,347 
   Share options                                                     -         12 
 Total equity                                                   11,990     11,077 
                                                             =========  ========= 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 
 
 
                              Capital 
                  Share    Redemption   Treasury      Share     Merger    Retained      Share      Total 
                Capital       Reserve     Shares    Premium    Reserve    Earnings    Options     Equity 
               GBP000's      GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's    GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's 
 
 At 1 July 
  2017              845             -          -      6,133      2,139       1,176         12     10,305 
 Shares 
  redeemed         (51)            51          -          -          -       (354)          -      (354) 
 Treasury 
  shares 
  acquired            -             -      (406)          -          -           -          -      (406) 
 Treasury 
  shares 
  issued              -             -          7          -          -         (2)          -          5 
 Profit for 
  the year            -             -          -          -          -       1,616          -      1,616 
 Dividends 
  paid                -             -          -          -          -        (89)          -       (89) 
 At 1 July 
  2018              794            51      (399)      6,133      2,139       2,347         12     11,077 
              =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  ==========  =========  ========= 
 
 Profit for 
  the year            -             -          -          -          -       1,166          -      1,166 
 Dividends 
  paid                -             -          -          -          -       (253)          -      (253) 
 Transfer on 
  lapse of 
  options             -             -          -          -          -          12       (12)          - 
 At 30 June 
  2019              794            51      (399)      6,133      2,139       3,272          -     11,990 
              =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  ==========  =========  ========= 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 
 
                                                           2019       2018 
                                                       GBP000's   GBP000's 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 
 Profit before taxation                                   1,447      1,975 
 Depreciation amortisation and impairment                   422        487 
 Net changes in working capital                           (973)        263 
 Financial expenses                                           2         38 
 Corporation tax paid                                     (436)       (74) 
 Net cash generated from operations                         462      2,689 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 
 Purchase of business including acquisition costs 
  net of cash acquired                                    (245)          - 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                (356)      (264) 
 Proceeds on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                              12         47 
 Net cash used in investing activities                    (589)      (217) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 
 Purchase of treasury shares                                  -      (406) 
 Buy back and cancellation of shares                          -      (354) 
 Sale of treasury shares                                      -          5 
 Payments to reduce Hire Purchase                          (42)       (52) 
 Payments to reduce borrowings                              (1)      (154) 
 Dividends paid                                           (253)       (89) 
 Interest paid                                              (2)       (38) 
 Net cash used in financing activities                    (298)    (1,088) 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash                          (425)      1,384 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of period                                               2,154        770 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period               1,729      2,154 
 

Basis of preparation

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), International Accounting Standards and Interpretations (collectively "IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union ("Adopted IFRS's").

During the year the Group adopted IFRS 9: Financial Instruments and IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Neither standard had a material impact on the financial statements.

While the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been computed in accordance with Adopted IFRSs, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with Adopted IFRSs.

This preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts of the Group for the years ended 30 June 2019 or 30 June 2018.

The financial information has been extracted from the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 June 2019. The auditors reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under either Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, whereas those for the year ended 30 June 2019 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

The Annual Report will be posted to all shareholders who have requested a copy on 22 October 2019 and will be available on request from Unit 7 & 8 Fulcrum 4, Solent Way, Whiteley, Hampshire PO15 7FT and on the Company website at http://www.cssgplc.com/investors/. The Annual Report contains full details of the principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [e-mail] or visit www.rns.com.

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October 21, 2019 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)